Volunteer Essentials

Report Concerns There may be times when you worry about the health and well-being of girls in your troop. Alcohol, drugs, sex, bullying, abuse, depression and eating disorders are some of the issues girls may encounter. You are in a unique position to identify a situation in which a girl may need help. Mandatory Reporting As a troop volunteer, you are in a unique position to identify a situation where a girl may need help. Missouri law states “when any individual responsible for the wellbeing of children has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been or may be subjected to abuse or neglect or observes a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances which would reasonably result in abuse or neglect, that person shall immediately report.” In short, Girl Scout volunteers are Mandated Reporters. An online training course on the topic of Mandated Reporting in Missouri is located on the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri website. If you suspect child abuse or neglect has occurred, or a child self-reports, call the 24-hour Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect hotline at 1.800.392.3738 and the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Director of Camping Services and Risk Management at 314.592.2300. Self-Harm Prevention As a Girl Scout Volunteer you may develop close relationships with the girls in your troop. If you believe a girl is at risk or hurting herself or others your role as a volunteer is to promptly bring that information to her parents/guardian or to Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri staff. In an emergency, if you feel that the authorities should be contacted immediately, please do so before reaching out to council. For more information about self-harm and suicide prevention please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255. Working With Parents and Guardians Most parents and guardians are helpful and supportive and sincerely appreciate your time and effort on behalf of their girls. And you almost always have the same goal, which is to make Girl Scouting an enriching experience for their girls. Perhaps the most important tip for communicating with parents/guardians is for you to use “I” statements instead of “you” statements. “I” statements, which are detailed in the aMAZE Journey for Girl Scout Cadettes, tell someone what you need from her or him, while “you” statements may make the person feel defensive.

Here are some examples of “you” statements: • “Your Girl Scout just isn’t responsible.” • “You’re not doing your share.”

Now look at “I” statements: • “I’d like to help your Girl Scout learn to take more responsibility.” • “I’d really appreciate your help with registration.”

Starting a Troop 51